Smart plugs are usually reliable, but there comes a point when a plug refuses to connect, ignores schedules, or needs to be handed to someone else — and that is when you need to know How to Reset a Smart Plug. Resetting takes less than a minute and fixes the majority of misbehaving plugs, but there are two different kinds of reset, and choosing the wrong one can wipe settings you wanted to keep.
This guide covers both types of reset, explains when each is appropriate, and gives the exact button-press steps for the most popular smart plug brands sold in the UAE — including TP-Link Tapo and Kasa, Amazon Smart Plug and Xiaomi models — plus what to do if the reset itself does not work.
Quick Answer
To reset a smart plug, you usually press and hold its power or settings button: holding for about 5 seconds performs a soft reset that re-enables pairing mode while keeping your settings, while holding for about 10 seconds performs a factory reset that erases everything and returns the plug to out-of-the-box state. After a factory reset, you must set the plug up again from scratch in its app. If the plug is online, you can also reset it from the app’s device settings page by removing the device.
How to Reset a Smart Plug: The Two Types of Reset
Most modern smart plugs support two reset levels. Understanding the difference saves you from unnecessary reconfiguration.
Soft Reset (Setup Mode, Settings Kept)
A soft reset puts the plug back into pairing mode without deleting your schedules, names or automations. You would use it when the plug works fine in the app but cannot reach your Wi-Fi — for example, after you changed your router, your Wi-Fi password, or your internet provider.
The usual method: with the plug powered on, press and hold the power button for about 5 seconds until the LED starts blinking in an alternating pattern (typically amber and green, though colours vary by brand). The plug is now ready to be paired again. Open the app and walk through adding the device; your old schedules and device name will still be there afterwards.
Factory Reset (Everything Erased)
A factory reset wipes the plug completely: Wi-Fi details, device name, schedules, energy history and any cloud account link. Use it when the plug is misbehaving badly — crashing, ignoring commands, stuck in a boot loop — or when you are giving it away, selling it, or moving it to a different home or account.
The usual method: with the plug powered on, press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds until the LED blinks rapidly (often solid amber flashes). Once the blinking settles, the plug is factory fresh and must be added to the app as a new device. If you were resetting to fix a problem, you will rebuild schedules and names from scratch.
When to Reset (and When Not To)
Resetting is a tool, not a first resort. Here is how to decide:
| Situation | What to try |
|---|---|
| Changed Wi-Fi router or password | Soft reset (5 seconds), then re-pair to the new network |
| Plug offline or not responding in the app | Restart the plug and router first; soft reset if it stays offline |
| Plug behaves erratically or ignores schedules | Update firmware first; factory reset (10 seconds) if the problem persists |
| Giving the plug to someone else | Factory reset to remove your account link and data |
| Plug simply needs moving to another room | No reset needed — unplug, move it, plug it back in |
| App shows the plug but voice assistant can’t find it | Re-link the voice assistant skill rather than resetting the plug |
If your plug keeps dropping off the network rather than misbehaving, you may be dealing with a Wi-Fi coverage problem — see our guide to smart devices that refuse to connect before reaching for a reset.
Reset Steps by Popular Brand
The 5-second/10-second rule covers most plugs, but details differ slightly by brand. These are the steps for the brands most commonly sold in the UAE. For model-specific instructions, the manufacturer’s official guide is always the authority — for instance, TP-Link’s official reset guide for Tapo and Kasa plugs covers their current models.
TP-Link Tapo and Kasa
These are the most popular smart plugs in the UAE. With the plug powered on:
- Soft reset: press and hold the power button for about 5 seconds until the LED blinks amber and green alternately.
- Factory reset: press and hold for about 10 seconds until the LED blinks amber rapidly.
- Via the app (plug must be online): on the Tapo or Kasa home screen, long-press the plug’s card and remove it, or open its settings page and tap Remove — this also performs a factory reset.
Amazon Smart Plug
The Amazon Smart Plug resets from the Alexa app: open Devices, select the plug, tap the settings gear, and deregister it. There is no long-press hardware reset on most versions — the app deregistration is the factory reset. Set it up again through the Alexa app afterwards.
Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug
Xiaomi plugs use the Mi Home app. Press and hold the power button for about 5 seconds until the LED flashes to enter pairing mode; repeat for a longer hold (about 10 seconds or more on some models) for a full reset. You can also remove the device from the Mi Home app to unpair it.
Generic / Tuya / Smart Life Plugs
Unbranded plugs sold online almost always use the Smart Life or Tuya app. The reset button (sometimes a pinhole on the side) is pressed and held until the LED blinks rapidly — usually around 5–10 seconds. If there is only a single button, a long press handles both pairing mode and reset: release at the fast-blink stage.
What Happens After a Reset
After a factory reset, your plug is a blank slate. Here is what to expect and do:
- Re-pair like new: Open the app and add the plug exactly as you did the first time — the process is identical to setting up a smart plug.
- Rebuild schedules and automations: Timers, sunrise routines and away-mode settings are gone and must be recreated.
- Re-link voice assistants: After re-adding the plug, check that Alexa or Google Assistant can still see it; you may need to rediscover devices.
- Rename the device: The plug returns to its default name (often just the model number), so give it a proper room name again.
- Check the firmware: After pairing, look for a firmware update — a reset sometimes rolls back to older firmware, and updating can prevent the original problem from returning.
After a soft reset, none of this is needed: once you re-pair to Wi-Fi, everything picks up where it left off.
Reset Not Working? Try These Steps
If the LED never changes or the plug still misbehaves after a reset, work through this checklist before concluding the plug is dead:
| Symptom | What to try |
|---|---|
| LED doesn’t blink after 10-second hold | You may be pressing the wrong button — check the manual; some plugs use a recessed pinhole button rather than the power button |
| Plug won’t power on at all | Try a different wall socket; the socket itself may be switched off or faulty |
| Reset works, but pairing fails again | Confirm you are on the 2.4 GHz band and the password is correct — see our guide to moving a device to a new Wi-Fi network |
| Plug drops offline repeatedly after reset | This is usually weak Wi-Fi coverage or router instability, not a plug fault |
| Everything fails and the plug is new | Return it — UAE consumer protection laws entitle you to a remedy for faulty goods bought locally |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will resetting my smart plug delete my app account?
No. A factory reset only wipes the plug itself. Your app account, along with every other device on it, stays untouched. You will simply re-add the plug to the same account afterwards.
Do I need the app to reset a smart plug?
Not for the button method — a soft or factory reset works from the physical button even when the plug is offline. You only need the app for the in-app reset option, which requires the plug to be online.
How often should I reset a smart plug?
Essentially never, unless something is wrong. Resetting is a fix for specific problems, not maintenance. A healthy plug can run for years without needing a reset — if you find yourself resetting regularly, look at your Wi-Fi stability instead.
Does resetting fix a plug that won’t turn its appliance on?
Rarely. That symptom is usually about the appliance, not the plug — some devices need their own power button pressed after mains power returns. Test the plug with a simple lamp first; if the lamp works, the plug is fine.
Is a factory reset enough before selling a smart plug?
Yes, for the plug itself — it removes your Wi-Fi credentials and account link. Also remove the device from your app if it still appears there, and deregister any linked voice-assistant connection so the new owner doesn’t inherit your setup.
What is the difference between resetting and restarting a smart plug?
Restarting (unplugging and plugging back in) simply reboots the plug and keeps all settings; resetting (button hold or app removal) puts it into pairing mode or erases it entirely. Always try a restart before a reset.
The Bottom Line
Learning How to Reset a Smart Plug comes down to two button holds: about 5 seconds for a soft reset that keeps your settings while reconnecting to Wi-Fi, and about 10 seconds for a factory reset that wipes everything for a fresh start. Most plug problems are actually network problems, so restart the plug and router first, and only reset when you have a clear reason — a changed Wi-Fi password, stubborn misbehaviour, or handing the plug to someone new. For the wider picture, our guide to resetting any smart home device and the roundup of common smart home problems and solutions cover the rest.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Paxi, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Paxi is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the UAE government or any agency mentioned; content is general information only, not legal, immigration or financial advice; verify critical details with official sources before acting.